A supplementary clause or document executed with the same formalities as a will, that adds to, explains, or amends it without revoking the whole. The definition carves a partial-modification instrument: it cannot stand alone (requires the parent will) and cannot contradict the will it modifies (a contradictory codicil operates as a revocation). It persists through testamentary formalities — witnessing, dating, and filing with the probate court — ensuring the testator's final intent is recorded without rewriting. [formal: codicillus | substrate: behavior | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.48]
Accepted ontology entry
codicil
A supplementary clause or document executed with the same formalities as a will, that adds to, explains, or amends it without revoking the whole. The definition carves a partial-modification instrument: it cannot stand alone (requires the…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A codicil is a human-made legal instrument — a written supplement to a last will and testament that modifies provisions without revoking the entire will. It is created by human legal practice to enable testamentary changes without drafting an entirely new will, persisting through notarial execution and court filing in probate.
Names and aliases
- codicilen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmr784qud000ys126ggjk6dbaDEPENDS_ON →
A codicil is a supplementary or amending clause added to a written document (will, treaty, statute). Remove writing and the codicil cannot exist — it is a textual construct that requires the medium of writing to operate. Present-tense constitutive dependency.
- cmr784qud000ys126ggjk6dbaINSTANCE_OF →
A codicil IS a specific kind of writing — an addition or supplement to a document (like a will). Competent speakers call it 'a codicil' (a form of written instrument).
- cmrpfluep072gd1nln9e09s60INSTANCE_OF →
A codicil is a specific kind of annotation: a supplementary note or addition written by a scribe to correct or add to a manuscript. A competent speaker calls a codicil 'a type of annotation'. Nearest kind is annotation.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 17, 2026, 6:12 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 5c6185a94d5806a280ef114d5d38a9ab81a6714ff2989d505a96ed282207c2df